WINNIPEG – A rainfall warning issued by Environment Canada has prompted the provincial government to issue a flood warning for low-lying areas along the Assiniboine River from Virden to Grand Valley.
A flood report from the province advises people to monitor weather conditions and forecasts as well as conditions of drains, rivers and other bodies of water.
The province also issued a strong wind warning for Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake starting early Thursday morning.
In addition, there’s a flood watch for low-lying land adjacent to the Souris River and a high-water advisory for small streams and tributaries across southern Manitoba.
And the City of Winnipeg issued its own warning that basement flooding is possible.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement early Thursday morning warning heavy rainfall in Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell, Riding Mountain National Park, Ste. Rose du Lac, McCreary, Alonsa and Gladstone is expected to begin Thursday and end Friday night.
Areas around and in Riding Mountain are expected to get the heaviest rain, with 50 to 75 millimetres likely to fall by Friday night. Winds gusting as high as 60 kilometres an hour are also expected.
Other parts of southern Manitoba are also expected to experience rain and some thunderstorms, and Environment Canada said the warning may be expanded later Thursday.
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In response to the warning, the provincial flood forecast centre issued a report saying significant overland runoff could occur in areas with higher rainfall amounts. Smaller tributaries and drains could rise quickly, and the water level in the Red River could increase, the province said.
The slopes of the Duck and Riding mountains and the Manitoba Escarpment could also experience more runoff, the province said.
In the Parkland region, recent rain has already caused high flows in many smaller streams, and the province warns that heavy rainfall may cause localized flooding of low-lying areas near waterways. Flooding on small tributaries could develop quickly, the province said.
Meanwhile, strong winds on Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake were expected to begin early Thursday. Northeast winds are expected to reach 40 km/h and gust to 60 km/h.
City warns basement flooding possible
The City of Winnipeg issued its own warning that with the rainfall, there is increased risk of basement flooding.
Overloaded sewers can back up through sewer lines and into unprotected basements, the city said.
Residents are advised to have a plumber install a backwater valve on the basement sewer line and install a sump pit drainage system. Those who already have those protections in place are advised to check them regularly.
Building up the ground around a home so water flows away from basement walls and window wells and extending downspouts so water flows away from buildings are also advised.
There are still funds available in the basement flood protection subsidy program, which pays 60 per cent of the invoiced cost up to $1,000 for installing an in-line backwater valve and $2,000 for installing a sump pit drainage system.
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